Are you tired of that annoying drip sound from your faucet? Not only can it keep you up at night, but a leaky faucet can also waste significant water and increase utility bills. The good news is that repairing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple DIY project you can complete in just a few hours. In this article, we will walk you through the 5 easy steps to repair a leaky faucet and end that annoying sound.
What Causes a Faucet to Leak?
Before we get into the steps to repair a leaky faucet, let’s take a quick look at what causes a faucet to leak.
The most common cause of a leaky faucet is a worn-out washer. Over time, the washer that creates a seal between the valve seat and the handle can become worn or damaged, allowing water to leak out of the faucet.
Other causes of a leaky faucet include worn-out O-rings, corroded valve seats, or loose parts.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step to repairing a leaky faucet is to turn off the water supply.
Turn off the shut-off valve under the sink or near the water main. Then, turn on the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out of the pipes.
Step 2: Disassemble the Faucet
Next, you’ll need to disassemble the faucet to access the washer and other parts that may need to be replaced.
To do this, use a screwdriver to remove the handle and the decorative cap that covers the screw.
Then, remove the screw and gently lift off the handle. Use pliers to remove the retaining clip, which holds the cartridge or stem in place.
Once the clip is removed, you can pull out the cartridge or stem.
Step 3: Replace the Washer or O-Ring
Once you can access the cartridge or stem, inspect it for damage and replace any worn or damaged parts.
If the washer is the cause of the leak, remove it and take it to a hardware store to find a replacement that matches the size and shape.
If the O-ring is the culprit, remove it and replace it with a new one of the same size.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
After replacing any worn or damaged parts, it’s time to reassemble the faucet.
Insert the cartridge or stem back into the valve and secure it with the retaining clip.
Then, replace the handle and screw, and tighten them with a screwdriver. Finally, replace the decorative cap.
Step 5: Turn On the Water Supply and Test the Faucet
The final step is to turn on the water supply and test the faucet to ensure the leak has been fixed.
Turn on the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the base of the faucet or under the sink.
If you don’t see any leaks, congratulations! You’ve successfully repaired your leaky faucet.
Key Takeaways
Repairing a leaky faucet is a simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours.
Follow these 5 easy steps to repair your leaky faucet:
- Turn off the water supply
- Disassemble the faucet
- Replace the washer or O-ring
- Reassemble the faucet
- Turn on the water supply and test the faucet
Remember to turn off the water supply and take your time disassembling and reassembling the faucet carefully.
By following these steps, you can save money on your water bill and end that annoying drip, drip, drip sound.
